Overseas-based Lindener aims to inspire with release of fifth book

By Utamu Belle

With the release of his fifth book, overseas-based Lindener, Leon Labastide is hoping to inspire and connect fellow Guyanese, members of the Diaspora and anyone with an interest in tourism and nationhood with the beauty that is Guyana.
His book, ‘We Are One’ was officially released on September 6.
This is the fifth book penned by the 34- year-old established Author, Poet and Entrepreneur.
He was born in Linden but presently resides in the United States of America. The new book which focuses on Regions Four (Demerara- Mahaica) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) comes following the release of his other books which include Transparency, Pink Cover: Things that are important, Breath of Life Poetry and Here Come the Dreamers.
Labistide, who is the nephew of Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell migrated to the United States when he was 7 years old but has spent a lot of time journeying to his homeland. Having drawn much inspiration from his visits, he explained that ‘We Are One’ has “captured the essence of Guyana as a tourism booklet”.
“You will feel connected after reading ‘We Are One’ “, the Author and Poet promise.
He has further planned to release an audiobook version along with the E-book for this particular publication, but as of now, the book is available on Amazon.
In reflecting, the Author related that Guyana has become a tourism attraction for millions of people over the years, whether they were first-time visitors or just venturing back home after migrating to other destinations. He explained that there are a number of elements, however, which make his homeland extremely attractive, unique and diverse.
This includes its rich history, natural resources, marketplaces, beautiful and unique landmarks, pristine rainforests, sugarcane plantations, rice fields, bauxite, gold reserves, newfound oil, infrastructure and new developments. Of all of these, the Author said the diverse population remains one of the country’s greatest assets.
“We Are One creates new conversations and brings back old memories as if it was only yesterday…Just remember that we are: One people, One nation, One destiny”, he noted, citing Guyana’s Motto.
Labistide said he aims to have readers enjoy a taste of Guyana through his carefully crafted words which he put together in the book and hopes that many would even consider visiting his homeland to have their own experience. The selection of the title for the book, he explained came from his own experiences, observations and opinions which suggest that many are not holding firm to the country’s motto and his opinion that the country has been divided.
The title, according to Labistide, was also influenced by issues affecting various parts of the world, including police brutality, injustices and systemic racism.
“Looking at the world today…It was fitting to entitle the book, We Are One”, he said.
The author’s aim is for the book to remain relevant since he is looking to create multiple volumes. Although he is unsure as to how many volumes he will create, Labistide plans on returning to Guyana where he intends to work along with a Guyanese videographer to create most of the content derived from the book.
This would include visual content of every landmark that has been mentioned inside. The author also shared his plans to visit other Regions of Guyana when he returns.
Labistide said he wishes to show recognition and gratitude to a number of persons who have contributed to making the first volume of his book a success. These include Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Mayor of Linden, Her Worship Waneka Arrindell, Carwyn Holland, Joanna Dhanraj, Renata Burnette and the late Sandra Adams. Labistide has also expressed gratitude to a number of Guyanese photographers whom he noted contributed photos which assisted him in the completion of the book. These include Latchman Singh, Yancey Haywood, Jamall Woolford, Lennox Gasper and Norvel Fredricks.